Amalienborg Palace

Address: Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K (Copenhagen), Denmark

Website: https://amalienborgmuseet.dk/en/

Admission: DKK 120 (Amalienborg Museum, adult)

Amalienborg is an 18th-century palace complex of four identical rococo façades arranged around an octagonal courtyard in the Frederiksstaden district of Copenhagen. It has been the principal residential palace of the Danish royal family since the late 18th century.

The ensemble comprises four town-palaces built in the 1750s for aristocratic families; after a fire at Christiansborg in 1794 the complex became the royal residence. The square features an equestrian statue of King Frederick V at its centre and the palaces enclose the ceremonial courtyard used for state occasions.

Amalienborg remains a working royal residence and houses museum rooms open to the public in one palace, showing preserved royal apartments and material culture. The site is used for official receptions and public ceremonial events connected to the monarchy.

The complex sits beside the harbourfront in central Copenhagen, a short walk from Nyhavn and close to the Marble Church (Frederiks Kirke). It lies within the Frederiksstaden neighbourhood and is easily reached from the city centre.

• Changing of the Guard: The ceremonial changing of the Royal Life Guard takes place at the palace square at noon and attracts both visitors and photographers.
• Amalienborg Museum: The Amalienborg Museum in one of the palaces displays royal apartments and objects related to the Danish monarchy.

Take the Copenhagen Metro (M1/M2) to Kongens Nytorv and walk about 7-10 minutes northwest along Nyhavn/Amaliegade to Amalienborg (roughly 600-800 m). You can also get off at Østerport station (S-train/Regional) and walk about 10-15 minutes south to the palace.

If driving from central Copenhagen it’s a very short trip (1-2 km) via Esplanaden or Bredgade; parking near the square is limited so public transit is recommended.

• Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and get unobstructed photos of the palace square; midday is busiest because of the changing of the Royal Guard.
• If you want to go inside, buy a ticket for the Amalienborg Museum (housed in Christian VIII's Palace) in advance and check opening hours-the museum is separate from simply viewing the palace exterior.
• Watch the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony (usually at midday) from the center of the square but arrive 20-30 minutes early for a good view; for a quieter perspective, stroll the adjacent waterfront and palace gardens rather than staying only in the square.